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Percale vs. sateen sheets: What's the difference?

A side-by-side image of two sheets.
Percale and sateen are two popular weaves for cotton bedding, but they have different properties in terms of feel and breathability that may make one a better option for you over the other. L.L.Bean;Target
Updated

If you've ever shopped for sheets or read our guide to the best sheets, you're probably come across the words "percale" and "sateen." When it comes to the best cotton sheets, these are two types of sheets that are distinctly different.

Percale and sateen are types of cotton weave — how cotton yarns are woven together to create a fabric. They're the most common weaves and cotton sheet types you'll see while shopping for bedding. While both percale and sateen are highly popular and comfortable, you'll probably like one more than the other based on your body temperature and what kind of feel you prefer. 

The differences in their properties are due to how each weave is made: 

Illustration of side by side comparison of percale and sateen, two types of cotton weave
Percale and sateen are the most common cotton sheet types. Alyssa Powell/Business Insider

What does percale feel like? 

L.L. Bean sheets
Percale sheets are crisp and cooling, like a button-down shirt. Connie Chen/Business Insider

Because percale has a tight, even 1:1 weave, it has a crisp, matte, and lightweight feel, similar to a white button-down shirt. It's airy and breathable. Percale is best for sleepers who like to stay cool throughout the night.

If you are searching for a soft yet crisp set, you should consider our L.L. Bean percale sheet set review

What does sateen feel like?

brooklinen sateen sheets review 2021
Sateen is soft and warm, like your favorite cotton T-shirt. Connie Chen/Business Insider

Due to its looser weave, where more yarn is exposed to the surface, sateen feels silky smooth, similar to a soft cotton t-shirt, with a slight sheen to it. It's very soft and warm, but it's less breathable than percale, so it might not work for people who sleep warm. Thanks to its luxurious feel, many hotels use sateen sheets in their guest rooms.

If you want a set that gets better with every wash, you should check out our Brooklinen Luxe Sateen Sheets review.

Is percale or sateen better? 

The best cotton sheet for you is subjective and depends on how you like to sleep. 

Percale is crisp and breathable, and it gets softer over time. Its tight grid pattern also makes it more durable than sateen. It's a great option for hot sleepers or the warmer months.

Sateen has a luxuriously smooth and warm feel, but it tends to snag more easily due to its weave. Since sateen is less abrasion-resistant than percale, you must use more care when handling it. It's ideal for cold sleepers or the colder months.

 PercaleSateen
Pros
  • Feels crisp and lightweight
  • Highly breathable
  • Stays cool 
  • More durable
  • Feels smooth, similar to silk 
  • Stays warm 
  • Makes your bed feel like a hotel bed
Cons
  • Less soft than sateen
  • Less durable and more prone to abrasion 
  • Less breathable

Keep in mind that other factors like the type of cotton used and the thread count also play a role in the feel and durability of your sheet. Long-staple cotton, for example, is longer, softer, and more durable than short-staple cotton. Extra-long staple cotton (also known as pima or Supima cotton) is even softer and more durable than long-staple cotton. Meanwhile, thread count — the number of yarns per inch, horizontally and vertically — also helps make a sheet softer and durable. 

Take into account weave, cotton type, and thread count when you shop for sheets.

Does percale or sateen cost more? 

The type of cotton and thread count affect the final cost. All things equal, you should be able to find percale and sateen sheets for about the same price. 

However, since sateen tends to come in at a higher thread count, it's usually more expensive than percale. The higher price also helps contribute to the idea that sateen is more "luxurious" than percale. 

Our favorite percale and sateen sheets

Many bedding brands offer both percale and sateen sheets. Once you've determined which type you want, try these sheet sets. We've personally tested them and can vouch for their comfort and durability. 

The best percale sheets

llbean sheets
L.L.Bean Pima Cotton Percale Sheet Set (Queen)

The L.L.Bean percale sheets feel amazing on your skin — simultaneously light, crisp, and soft — and prove that quality materials are more important than thread count.

Brooklinen Classic Core
Brooklinen Classic Core Sheet Set (Queen)

A nice balance of softness and breathability, Brooklinen's Classic sheets are a great choice if you like a weightier percale that feels crisp and substantial. During the Cyber Monday sale, the set is 25% off.

Parachute Percale Sheet Set
Parachute Percale Sheet Set (Queen)

This set of silky percale sheets also, mercifully, comes without a top sheet.

The best sateen sheets

Brooklinen Luxe Core Sheet Set
Brooklinen Luxe Core Sheet Set (Queen)

If you take your sleep comfort seriously, the pampering touch and good looks of Brooklinen's Luxe Sheets will make you want to stay in bed longer. Plus, they get softer with wear.

Threshold Performance Sheet Set
Threshold Performance Sheet Set (Queen)

Target's affordable Threshold sheet set is soft and holds up over time so you won’t have to worry about pilling or shrinking.

Frette showcase
H by Frette Sateen Classic Sheet Set (Queen)

When you don't want to spend hundreds of dollars a night to sleep at a luxury hotel, H by Frette's smooth and luxurious sateen sheets will take you there instead.

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Disclosure: Written and researched by the Insider Reviews team. We highlight products and services you might find interesting. If you buy them, we may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our partners. We may receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. We operate independently from our advertising team. We welcome your feedback. Email us at reviews@businessinsider.com.

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